Hurricane preparedness information

Published on 04/09/2024
From June 1st to November 30th, Saint-Martin is subject to hurricane risks. Be safe and vigilant, and follow the Marina’s guidelines in the event of a hurricane warning or tropical storm.
Weather-marina
In preparation of the hurricane season, we caution take the time and effort to plan necessary actions to secure and protect your vessel.

Marina Fort Louis has a hurricane preparedness plan detailing what you can expect from the marina in event of an approaching hurricane or tropical storm. Be familiar with your responsibilities and liabilities as well as those of the marina.

Should local authorities declare a level ORANGE hurricane warning, it means that the landfall of a hurricane or tropical storm is imminent. A decree prohibiting anchoring of vessels in Saint Martin upon announcement of such a warning is in effect. In this case, all boats must evacuate the Marina to reach a safe shelter (such as a boatyard), all unsecured vessels must leave the area.

Good to know:

— Marina Fort Louis is not a shelter in the event of a hurricane, the best way to secure your vessel locally is inland on a boat yard.

— In the event of a hurricane, the marina is exposed to extreme lashing winds, torrential rains, and inundating storm surges.

— The marina cannot and will not assume responsibility for the safety of your vessel.

— Bridges on both the French and Dutch side will not open above wind speeds of 25 knots sustained.

— Saint-Martin offers public pre-landfall hurricane shelters accessible to boaters, the list of which is available on official websites and the marina office.

More information on hurricane preparedness and local rules available on the following official websites:

Saint-Martin Port Authority
Collectivité de Saint-Martin (in French)
Préfecture de Saint-Barthélémy et Saint-Martin (in French)